Paul Lewis

IFOA Training and Consultancy Centre of the Chambers of Commerce was established in Reggio Emilia in 1971. IFOA has been working at increasing professional skills and providing training services to both young people and adults and offering labour market access support. IFOA contributes at supporting the framework economy - business, services, professionals – by placing many trained people. IFOA counts on 8 Centres and several representative offices in Italy. IFOA works in several professional sectors, developing specific know-how: Information & Communication Technology Human Resources management Administration and Finance Marketing and Sales Operations and Business Organisation Safety Environment and Energy Saving Food Processing Tourism Ifoa is recognised as the partner of the enterprises to develop their human capital through recruiting, guidance and training services. IFOA works within an international context designing and managing training and technical assistance projects either in the position of leader or partner. IFOA is active in Europe and South Eastern Europe, North and South America, the Mediterranean basin and China. These projects are focused on: - reform and development of training, economic and managerial systems - support to employment services - support for company internationalisation - vocational training, skills development, ICT, employment and social inclusion policies - transfer of best practices - consulting and technical assistance to public and private bodies for the access to EC funds.